Foldable compartment box



E. MoRAND 2,474,751

Sheets-Sheet 1 FOLDABLE COMPARTMENT BOX V x Smm @i m.. i lill E@ BY June 28, 1949.

Filed umn 21:,1946

June 28, 1949. E. MGRAND FOLDABLE COHPARTIENT BOX Filed umn 21, 1946` 2 sheets-sheet 2 I f l 1 f l f Eli?? E Mmmm m; ardua? Pmnad .lune 2s, 1949 uu'rlazrn` srTAri-:s PATENT OFFICE FoLnABLE cziirtrm Box l Emil Morand, Jersey City, N. J. Application March 2l, v1946, Serial No. 655,929

' bordering its opposite longitudinal margins, to-

gether `with side panels extending respectively from the respective longitudinal margins of said bottom panel, said side panels terminate at their respective ends in articulated longitudinal compartment partition members; said blank includes `articulated transverse compartment partition members which are detachably connected by perforated or weakened lines with the ends of said tuck-in end panels, whereby, when detached, and upon erection of the box from the blank, the same are adapted to be assembled with the longitudinal compartment members, so as to provide the interior of the box with a plurality of compartments or cells; said longitudinal and transverse compartment,4 members are provided with indenting cooperative slots to permit assembly thereof in intersecting relation.

The invention has for another object to provide a plural compartment box, adapted to be produced from the described blank, which can be separated into two completely closed compart- 7 ment boxes, each one-half the size of the original box, and to this end, thebottom and sidepanels are provided with a continuous `perforated or weakened line extending across the same intermediate their ends. r

'I'he invention has for another object to provide a compartment box, adapted to be produced from the described blank, wherein novel means is provided for interlocking the tuck-in panels with theside panels of the box structure, whereby to retain the box structure in closed condition and against disassembly of its parts, and thus secure against accidental opening of the box.

Other objects of this invention, not at this time more particularly enumerated, will be understood from the following detailed description of the same.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the cut and scored blank from which the novel box is produced.

4 Claims. (Cl. 229-28) in its closed condition; Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the same; Fig. 6"is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, taken on line 6--6 in Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a horizontal sectional view thereof, taken on line 'I-'I in Fig. 6; Fig.8 is another horizontal sectional view thereof, taken online 8-8 inFig. 6; and Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the box as divided into two completely closed and separate units of smaller size. I

Similar characters of reference are employed in the hereinabove described views to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, the novel plural compartment box of this invention is produced from a blank of suitable paper stock, such e. g. as paste-board, card-board, corrugated paperboard or the like. Said blank is cut and scored to provide the box forming elements `which comprise a bottom panel I0 and side panels Il. Said side panels II respectively extend from the respective longitudinal margins of said bottom panel I0, and are foldably joined thereto by longitudinal fold line determining scores I2. Ex-

tending from each end of each side panel II is a longitudinal compartment partition member I3, includingv a spacer section Il. Each spacer section I4 is foldably joined to an end of a side panel I I by a transverse fold line determining score Il,

and each longitudinal partition member I3 is foldably joined to its spacer section I4 by a similar transverse fold determining score I6. Each longitudinal partition member I3 is provided with a transverse slot` I1 which enters thereinto from outer or top margin thereof, at a point substantially midway of the length thereof; said slot being of a length approximating one-half the width or `height of the longitudinal partition member. The sides of said slots I1, where they join the outer or top margins of said longitudinal partition members I3, are rounded oil to provide flared entrance mouths I8, for purposes hereinafter explained. `,The `ends of the outer or top margins of said longitudinal partition members I3 are likewise rounded off, as at I9, also for purposes hereinafter explained. Extending from each end of the bottom panel I0, in longitudinal sequence, are an outer end panel 20. a top panel 2l, and a tuck-in end panel 22; the latter having side iiaps 23 extending respectively from its longitudinal side margins, and foldably Joined thereto by fold line determining scores 24. Each outer end panel 29 is foldably joined to the adjacent end of the bottom panel I3 by a fold line determining score 25; and, similarly, each top panel 2| is foldably joined tothe adjacent outer end panel 20 by a fold line determining score 28, and each tuck-in end panel 22 is foldably joined to the adjacent top panel 2I by a fold line determining score 21. Initially and detachably connected with the free end of each tuck-in end panel 22 and its side flaps 23, by a line of weakening perforations 29, is a transverse compartment partition member 29 having side flaps 33 extending respectively from its longitudinal side margins, and foldably joined thereto by fold line determining scores 3|. Each transverse partition member 29 is provided with a pair oi' suitably disposed and spaced slots 32 which enter therein from the bottom margin thereof; said slots being of lengths approximating one half the heightof the transverse partition member. The sides of said slots 32, where they join the bottom margins of the transverse partition members, are rounded off to provide flared entrance mouths 33, for purposes hereinafter explained.

If the box, as formed from the above described blank is to be divisible and separatable into two completely closed unitsof smaller size, the blank is provided with a continuous transverse line of weakening perforations 34 extending entirely across the bottom panel I0 and side panels I I intermediate the ends thereof.

Preparatory to manipulating the blank, whereby to form from the same the novel box structure according to this invention, the transverse partition members 23 with their side iiaps 30 are first detached from the blank, ready for application to the box interior. This having been done, the blank is manipulated as follows:

First, the side panels II are turned upwardly about the scores I2 to stand perpendicular to the plane of the bottom panel I0, whereupon the articulated longitudinal partition members are turned about the scores I5 and I3 so that the spacer sections I 4 extend inwardly from the side panel ends to stand perpendicularly in plane transverse to that of the side panels, with the partition members I3 extending inwardly. therefrom over the bottom panel I0 and in spaced planes parallel to the side panels Ii, as spaced from the latter by said spacer sections I4. After these parts are thus positioned, the articulated transverse partition members 29-30 are assembled with the longitudinal partition members in box compartment forming relation thereto. Preparatory to such assembly of said transverse partition members 29, the side flaps 30 thereof are turned about the scores 3l to extend at right angles to the plane of the partition members 29. whereafter the latter are positioned with the mouths 33 of their slots 32 downwardly directed, so as to be brought into opposition to the upwardly directed mouths I3 of the slots I1 with which the longitudinal partition members I3 are provided, whereupon said transverse partition members 29 are pushed down into and across the saidlongitudinal partition members I3 so as to y interlockingly intersect the same. It will be obvious that the flared mouths 33 and I8 of the respective slots 32 and I1 will facilitate the described assembling movement of the transverse partition members relative to the longitudinal partition members. Said transverse partition members, as so assembled, are arranged in such position that their side flaps 30 lie contiguous to the side panels II and extend outwardly toward the spacer sections I4, with their free perpendicular edges abutting the latter at the junctures thereof with said side panels II.v As thus disposed. saidv side flaps 30 strongly brace and reenforce the corners of the box structure against collapse or distortion. The opposed free ends of the longitudinal partition members I3, when operatively-.disposed within the interior of the box as described, are spaced apart for a distance approximating twice the thickness of the paper stock of which the box blank is made, `whereby to permit insertion therebetween of the tuck-in end panels 22, as will presently appear.

The box, as thus far formed, provides an interior structure comprising a plurality of compartments or cells ready to be packed with a desired content and then closed. To close the box, the fol'dably related arrangement of parts comprising an outer end panel 20, a top panel 2|, and a tuck-in end panel 22, which arrangements extend respectively from the opposite ends of the bottom panel I0, are manipulated. Preparatory to such manipulation, the side :Iiaps 23 of the tuck-in end panels 22 are turned inwardly about the scores 24 to extend at right angles to the plane of said tuck-in end panels. To bring the closure parts into box closing position. the outer end panels 20 are swung upwardly about the scores 23 to stand perpendicular the bottom panel I0 and across the box ends contiguous to the spacer sections I4 .of the longitudinal partition members I3, whereupon the associated top panels 2| and tuck-in end panels 22 are in-turned respectively about the scores 26 and 21 so as to direct the free ends of said tuck-in end panels toward the middle of the box interior, for entrance into the space between the opposed ends of the longitudinal partition members I3. To

permit a relative angular disposition of the tuckin end panels and top panels which will facilitate disposition and direction of the free ends of the former for entrance into the box interior between opposed ends cf said longitudinal partition members I3, the` inner ends of the side flaps 23 are cutaway to provide oblique end por= tions 23'. The opposed rounded end portions I9 of the longitudinal partition members I3, also provide flared entrance mouths leading into the box interior whereby to further facilitate insertion of said tuck-in end panels 22. Said tuck-in end panels 22 are pushed down into the box interior sovk as to lie face to face and in perpendicular transverse plane intermediate the opposed sets of longitudinal partition members I3,

and with their side aps 23 disposed to lie contiguous to the side panels I I and to extend toward transverse partition members 29 with bracing and reenforcing` effect. When the tuck-in end panels 22 are thus` fully entered into the box interior, the top panels 2I will be brought intohorizontal plane in extension over and in closing relation to the upwardly open top of the box, i

thus arranging the box in fully closed condition.

A novel means unitary with the box structure is provided for interlocking the side iiaps of the tuck-in end panels with the side panels of the box Structure, whereby to retain the outer end' and top panels and said tuck-in end panels against displacement from their box closing positions, and secure against accidental opening of the box. To this end, the side panels 22 are provided, in portions `thereof to which the side iiaps 23 of the tuck-in end panels 22 are contiguous when the box is closed. with rectangular locking tongues 35 struck out from the bodies thereof. Each locking tongueis integrally connected by one end thereof to the body of the side panel from which it springs, so as to swing' or turn about such connecting end. The side flaps 23 of the tuck-in end panels 22 are each provided with arectangular locking tongue receiving opening 36, substantially corresponding in dimensions and area to the dimensions and area of the locking tongue 35. Said receiving openings 33 are so located in said side iiaps 23 as to be respectively brought into aligned registration with the respective locking tongues 35, when the tuck-in end panels and their said side flaps are disposed in box closing positions. After the tuck-in end panels and their side flaps are disposed in box closing positions, to lock the box against opening said locking tongues are merely pushed inwardly to swing the same through the adjacent receiving openings 38 (see Fig. 8 `more particularly). s It will be obvious that when thus disposed, said side ilaps 23 and tuck-in end panels 22 will be secured against withdrawal or outward movement from the box interior, by reason of the obstructionto such movements offered by the intersecting disposition of the locking tongues across the planes of said side `iiaps 23.

When the body is made in the form adapted to be divided transversely and thus separated into individual units of smaller or half size, the line of weakening perforations 34 is provided to extend across the bottom and side panels I0 and Il. When the box is set up, packed and closed, in the manner above described, said line of weakening perforations 3l is disposed to extend between the s inserted tuck-in end panels 22. When it is dethat the present invention provides a novel construction of foldable compartment box which may be furnished either as a single unit or in a two-inone form; in addition, owing to the novelform and relationship of its parts, a box of exceedingly strong and durable construction is provided, wherein the box corners especially are strongly braced and reenforced against collapse, distortion or breakage; and iinally wherein the novel arrangement of interior interlocking partition members not only furnish a plurality of goods storage compartments, but also further reenforce and strengthenthe box against collapse or breakage.

Having now described my invention, I claim:

1. A foldable compartment box formed from a blank of sheet material and comprising a bottom panel and side panels, each side panel having 1ongitudinal partition members extending from each end thereof including an intermediate spacer section, said spacer sections and longitudinal partition members being adapted to be infolded to dispose the latter within the boxl interior in ment `being adapted to be in-folded so that the outer end panels respectively close the opposite exterior box ends and the top panels close the box top with said tuck-in end panels inserted within and through the box interior in face to face relation to extend perpendicularly to the bottom panel between opposed inner ends of said inturned longitudinal partition members and transversely between said side panels and with said side flaps of the tuck-in end panels extending inwardly therefrom to lie contiguous to the side panels, whereby to form closed corners intermediate said tuck-in end panels and side panels, and a line of weakening perforations extending across said side and bottom panels medially of `the inserted tuck-in end panels, whereby to permit division of the box, by rupturing said side and bottom panels along said line of perforations, into two completely closed box 2. A foldable compartment box formed from a blank of sheet material and comprising a bottom panel and side panels, each side panel having longitudinal partition members extending from each end thereof including an intermediate spacer section, said spacer sections and longitudinal partition members being adapted to be infolded to dispose the latter wit-hin the box interior in spaced parallel relation to the side panels and so that said spacer sections cooperate with said side panels to form closed box end corners, transverse partition members adapted to be engaged with and across said longitudinal partition members between said side panels, a relatively foldable, longitudinally sequential, arrangement of outer end panel, top panel and tuck-in end panel extending from each end of said bottom panel, each said tuck-in end panel having side flaps laterally extending therefrom, each said arrangement being adapted to be in-folded so that the outer end panels respectively close the opposite exterior box ends and the top panels close the box top with said tuck-in end panels inserted within and through the box interior in face to face relation to extend perpendicularly to thebottom panel between opposed inner ends of said inturned longitudinal partition members and transversely between said side panels and with said side flaps of the tuck-in end panels extending inwardly therefrom to lie contiguous to the side panels, whereby to form closed corners intermediate said tuck-in end panels and side panels, means to secure said side flaps to contiguous portions of said side panels, and a line of weakening perforations extending across salid side and bottom panels medially of the inserted tuck-in end panels,

whereby `to permit division of the box, by rupturing said side and bottom panels along said line of perforations, into two completely closed box units.

3. A double compartment box formed from a blank of sheet material and comprising a bottom panel and side panels, each side panel having foldable partition forming members extending from each end thereof, and a relatively foldable,

longitudinally sequential, arrangement of outer end panel, top panel and tuck-in end panel extending from each end of said bottom panel, each tuck-in end panel having side naps laterally lextending therefrom, each said arrangement being adapted to be in-folded so that the outer end panels respectively closev the -box ends and the top panels close the box top with said tuck-in panels inserted within to stand perpendicularly across the medial portion oi the box interior in face to face relation and the side naps thereof disposed to overlie interior surface `portions of said side panels, and a line of weakening perforations extending across the bottom and side panels medially of the inserted tuck-in end panels, whereby to permit division of the box, by rupturing said side and bottom panels along said line of perforations, into two completely closed independent box units.

4. A double compartment box formed'from a blank of sheet material and comprising a bottom panel and side panels, each side panel having foldale partition forming members extending from each end thereof, and a relatively foldable, longitudinally sequential, arrangement of outer end panel, top panel and tuck-in end panel extending from each end of said bottom panel, each tuck-in end panel having side aps laterally extending therefrom, each said arrangement being adapted to be in-folded so that the outer end panels respectively close the box ends and the top panels close the box top with said tuck-in panels inserted within to stand perpendicularly across the medial portion of the box interior in iace to face relation and the side ilaps thereof disposed to overlie interior surface" portions oi.' said side panels, means to secure said fliaps to contiguous portions of said side panels, and aline of weakening periorations extending across the bottom and side panels medialiy of the inserted tuck-in end panels, whereby to permit division of the box, by

rupturing said side and bottom panels along saidline of perforations, into two completely closed independent `box units.

EMIL MORAND.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le oi this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS y Number Name Date 1,372,809 Gross Mar. 29, 1921 1,726,108 Hughes Aug. 27, 1929 1,740,550 vMichelin Dec. 24, 1929 2,120,470 Patterson June 14, 1938 2,347,183 Crane Apr. 25, 1944 2,361,852 Locke, Jr. Oct. 31. 1944 

